Role of the radiation therapist in cancer survivorship care: An integrative systematic review

Abstract

Background and purpose

As cancer survival rates continue to improve, optimising the provision of quality cancer survivorship care is paramount. Radiation therapists (RTTs) play a pivotal role in the delivery of cancer treatment, but their involvement in providing cancer survivorship care has yet to be explored or understood. This systematic review aimed to examine the role of the RTT within the Quality of Cancer Survivorship Framework across the cancer care continuum.

Methods

Five databases were searched from inception until August 2025. Studies were included if they described or evaluated survivorship care interventions delivered by RTTs, whether within formal roles (e.g. advanced practice) or as part of routine clinical practice. Studies were also included if they reported on RTTs knowledge, attitudes or skills related to survivorship care, defined as care and support provided from diagnosis onwards across the cancer care continuum.

Results

Thirty-eight articles met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen articles reported RTT-delivered survivorship care interventions, and twenty-two articles reported RTT knowledge, attitudes and skills related to survivorship care. Most studies fit within three domains: surveillance and management of psychosocial effects (n = 23), surveillance and management of physical effects (n = 7), and health promotion and disease prevention (n = 7). RTTs expressed willingness to be involved in survivorship care, however highlighted barriers, including limited time and lack of knowledge and training that restricted their involvement.

Conclusions

RTT survivorship specific roles are lacking, however RTTs can play a valuable role in the provision of survivorship care for patients during and after treatment. Barriers to RTTs providing this care include lack of knowledge, training, and time.